New Delhi (India) June 3: At least 21 people died in a hotel fire in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar this morning. The police state they received the distress call of the fire at the Flourish Stay B&B at 8:48 am.
Fire, evacuation and relief operations were then immediately conducted by the authorities. With the aid of more than 40 persons who have been admitted into nearby hospitals for medical attention, eight fire engines put out the fire. Delhi Police have filed an FIR charging the owner with culpable homicide.
Max Hospital Reports Critical Fire Casualties
A total of 39 patients have been admitted into the emergency ward of Max Hospital, Saket Complex following the fire incident. The patients have been admitted suffering from asphyxiation, varying levels of minor burns and fractures.
“Of the 39 patients received, 18 were brought dead, 15 are admitted in ICU, including eight patients on ventilator and in critical condition. Five patients with minor injuries were treated and discharged following primary medical care. A patient has been shifted to Safdarjung Hospital due to excessive burns," the Max Hospital said.
Hotel Owner Booked, Licences Under Scrutiny
The Fire Department statement read that a Fire No Objection Certificate had not been obtained from the Fire Department, and the owner Lovkesh Bajaj is on the run, having been found to own three hotels within a 100-meter radius, all of which were found to be operating without the appropriate licenses and documentation.
Modi Announces Relief for Victims' Families
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences and offered his financial assistance, announcing that each of the deceased will be awarded an ex-gratia payment of 2 lakhs from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, and those who sustained injuries will receive 50,000.
President Express Grief Over Tragedy
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sadness at the incident, and has offered her sympathies to the families of the victims.
"The news of the loss of lives in the fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured," President said in an official statement.
Authorities Probe Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire
The Fire Service in Delhi received an emergency call in the morning and rushed two water tenders, two water bowsers, and a quick-response vehicle to the scene. Three people were rescued from the basement of Lemon Green Restaurant, and they were transported to hospital in CATS ambulances. At the time of reporting, it is still unknown what the cause of the fire is, but further information is expected.